NASA-Funded "Stepping Stars" Program Inspires Students Through Biomimicry Lessons
A NASA-funded education initiative, Stepping Stars, has opened new pathways for students to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through the lens of nature’s designs. The program brought together a unique collaboration of organizations—the Ohio Space Grant Consortium (OSGC), the Girl Scouts of Northeastern Ohio, the Akron Zoo, the Sciencenter in Ithaca, NY, and the Nebraska Space Grant Consortium—to create innovative educational resources centered on biomimicry.
Biomimicry, the practice of looking to nature for solutions to human challenges, connects students to STEM in a meaningful and accessible way. From the design of Velcro inspired by burs to bullet train designs modeled after a kingfisher’s beak, biomimicry shows how observing the natural world can spark engineering and technological breakthroughs.
As a result of the Stepping Stars collaboration, more than 30 lesson plans were developed, each weaving together scientific inquiry, hands-on exploration, and real-world problem solving. The lessons cover a wide range of grade levels and are adaptable for both formal classroom settings and informal learning environments such as museums, zoos, and scouting programs.
One of the Stepping Stars STEM Scholars Education Workshops. Pre-service teachers try out one of the biomimicry lessons, called, Lotus Leaves and Shave Cream[/caption]
“By blending the resources of space grant programs with the outreach expertise of partners like the Girl Scouts and the Akron Zoo, we were able to create lessons that not only engage students but also highlight the importance of creativity in STEM,” said Jill Marconi, OSGC K-12 education specialist.
The lessons are now available for educators and community leaders nationwide, providing flexible opportunities to introduce young learners to biomimicry while supporting NASA’s mission of inspiring the next generation of explorers.
The Stepping Stars program exemplifies the power of collaboration in STEM education—bridging space science, environmental awareness, and hands-on discovery to encourage students to think like innovators.
To learn more about the Ohio Space Grant Consortium or the Stepping Stars program, please visit: https://osgc.org
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About Parallax Advanced Research & the Ohio Aerospace Institute
Parallax Advanced Research is an advanced research institute that tackles global challenges through strategic partnerships with government, industry, and academia. It accelerates innovation, addresses critical global issues, and develops groundbreaking ideas with its partners. In 2023, Parallax and the Ohio Aerospace Institute formed a collaborative affiliation to drive innovation and technological advancements across Ohio and the nation. The Ohio Aerospace Institute plays a pivotal role in advancing aerospace through collaboration, education, and workforce development. More information can be found at parallaxresearch.org and oai.org.
About The Ohio Space Grant Consortium
The Ohio Space Grant Consortium (OSGC) was established in 1989 (along with the original Ohio 12-member universities) by the United States Congress, and is part of the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program known as “Space Grant” administered through the Office of STEM Engagement at NASA Headquarters. There are 52 consortia, one in each state, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Space Grant is a unique national network of colleges and universities working to expand opportunities for Americans to understand and participate in NASA’s aeronautics and space projects by supporting and enhancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) through scholarships, fellowships, higher education, research infrastructure, pre-college (K-12), and informal education public outreach efforts. The Space Grant national network includes over 1,000 affiliates from universities, colleges, industry, museums, science centers, and state and local agencies. The OSGC is currently composed of 26 institutions of higher learning (20 universities and 6 community colleges), NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC), the Air Force Research Laboratories (AFRL), and various education outreach partners. The OSGC Program Office is located at the Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI) in Cleveland, Ohio.